June 21, 1998

Name:

Bourbon

Age:

13 and three-quarters years old

Gender:

Female

Breed:

Alaskan Malamute

Home:

California, USA

Even
though she's currently battling bone cancer, my family's dog
Bourbon, an Alaskan Malamute with the sweetest, most expressive brown
eyes, is just as beautiful today as she was nearly 14 years ago when my
mother and two brothers brought her home as a small, blonde-colored,
three-month-old puppy.

The happiness, energy and zest Bourbon has exhibited her whole life are
helping her fight this disease. She still wants to go for her walks and
she excitedly pulls ripe figs off of a tree in my parents' back yard.
She hasn't yet started her annual ritual of burying avocados
strategically throughout the yard. When the season is over, she
un-buries her stash, cleans them in her water dish and happily settles
down to a ripe avocado in winter.

Because she loves getting wet, summer is one of Bourbon's favorite times
of year. When we are swimming, she runs along side the edge of the pool
to check that we are okay. There is hardly a more pleasant summer
sensation than coming up from underwater, only to have Bourbon's
adorable face right there to greet you with a big lick on the face.
Even though her breed makes her resemble a wolf, I have yet to meet a
kinder dog. Instead of barking at strangers, her typical response is to
sit and extend a paw as an offering of a handshake. She also loves to
give "hugs" - she nuzzles her head and shoulder as close to one side of
you as possible and stays there until you put your arm around her.
My parents, brothers, sister and I appreciate every moment we have with
Bourbon. We want her to be her jovial, lively self for as long as
possible. She has given us endless love for her whole life and she
always brings a smile to everyone's face.